Happy Happy Birthday Brayden!!

We get to celebrate another birthday boy today!!  Brayden is 8!!  Where in the world has the time gone?!  I remember feeling like I would never get to sleep again.  And I remember feeling like those nights would never end.  But I blinked and here I am.  That sweet, no sleeping baby is eight years old.  And what a blessing that God chose me to be his mama!!

 

birthday boy!! =)

 

Brayden James, what a sweet blessing you are!  I wondered through my pregnancy how I could possibly love another baby as much as I did your brother.  And then they laid you in my arms that first time and you stole my heart!  I still don't know how, but I know that I do.  I love you more than you will ever know!  You are so full of energy and spunk.  You know what you want and you will stop at nothing to get it.  That strong will of yours exhausts me at times but I just know that God is going to use it in big ways for His glory!  You are the family clown ~ always making us laugh!!  You have a heart the size of Texas and you've yet to meet a sport you don't love!  Your giggles melt me and your love for life inspires me. 

 

I can't imagine our family without you!  You are so much like me and that challenges me in such unexpected ways! Your a blessing to everyone who knows you and you are so full of joy that its contagious.  You take your role as a big brother very serious and you do such a great job of loving your baby brother! (and your big brother too!)  You are my charming, sweet, loving, strong willed little man and I'm so thankful for you!

 

Keep your eyes on Jesus my love!  He has amazing plans for you and I can't wait to see that unfold!!  Your daddy and I are so very proud of you and always will be!  Never lose that determination and charm that make you uniquely you! 

 

Happy Happy Birthday to the sweetest 8 year old there is!!!

 

 

 

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

~Jeremiah 29:11~

Sarah's Visit

You know how there are girlfriends and then there are those friends that become more like sisters?!  Sarah's friendship is such a treasured blessing to me and she is definitely more like a sister!  We had SO much fun while she was here!!  We didn't do a whole lot of anything special, but still had such a great time!

 

We did dinner w/ some of my girlfriends here, had an Origami Owl party, and did lots of shopping...all of which I have NO pictures! Boo!!  I've got to get better about that!

 

I put Sarah to work one night helping me make decorations for a women's ministry event at my church!  We laughed so much and had so much fun!!

 

late night no make-up decoration makin' fools! =)

 

We went to the beach a couple of times.  The first time it was red flag, miserably windy, & crazy rough water so we let the boys get out for a few minutes but didn't stay long.  The 2nd try was much more successful!!  We did have to leave because of a storm rolling in, but we were able to let the boys play and we enjoyed getting sunburnt a little sun!

 

this lil stinker had just thrown sand right at Sarah and thought it was so funny! ;)

Sarah snapped this sweet pic of me w/ my boys ~ love it!



another sweet pic that Sarah snapped w/o me knowing!

love these 2 crazy boys!!

me and Sarah!! 

the storm rolling in when we were leaving the beach was crazy! top pic is looking out the drivers side window; middle pic is out the passenger window; and the bottom pic is looking strait ahead....crazy huh?!

 

Then before I knew it, her week here was over and we were headed back to the airport. 

 

one last pic before heading to the airport to drop her off.

 

Her visit was such a blessing for me!!  We laughed A LOT and I love that even though we go a couple of years without seeing each other, it's always like no time has passed!  I miss her already and can't wait for the next time I get to see her!



This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.
~1 John 5:14~

Happiest Birthday Colby!

My baby is 12. TWELVE!!  It seems like just last month I was walking through the house bouncing him for hours and hours because it was the only thing that kept him from crying.  And it seems like just yesterday he was playing in his first little soccer season and graduating kindergarten.  Now?!  He's 12.  Going into 7th grade and growing more and more independent all the time!  I wouldn't trade a single moment of being this boy's mom....the good, the ugly and every moment in between....I wouldn't change a thing!
 

wearing a waffle house hat during his birthday dinner tonight!

 

Colby, my sweet sweet boy ~ I'm really not sure that I can put my love for you into words.  You made me a mama.  And you have blessed me more than I ever could of dreamed.  You have the biggest heart and the best contagious laugh so full of joy.  Your love for the Lord humbles and inspires me.  You are so helpful and are the BEST big brother!  Your intelligence and love for learning fascinate me. 

 

Sometimes I am tempted to wish that time would stop.  That you wouldn't grow up so fast.  But then I would miss seeing you learn and day by day become the young man God created you to be.  You truly amaze me and I get so excited when I think of all that God has in store for you!  

 

Keep being you and never stop running after Jesus my sweet boy ~ he'll never lead you astray.  And know that your Dad and I are so very proud of you and will be your biggest supporters and cheerleaders every step of the way. 

 

Happiest Birthday to my absolute favorite 12 year old!!!!



"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations."
~Jeremiah 1:5~

Menu Monday

This is a mega birthday week in our home and I'm so excited to celebrate two of our boys!!  One of our birthday traditions with the boys is that they get to choose the dinner menu for their birthday.  They LOVE this and look forward to it each year!  So twice this week, we will be eating birthday dinners chosen by our 12 and 8 year olds! {y'all...how is it possible that they are turning 12 & 8??!!}

 

Here's what will fuel our celebration all week....

 

**Monday ~ Grouch Chicken w/ Roasted Squash & Onions

 

**Tuesday ~ HAPPY BIRTHDAY COLBY!!  Waffle House {gag} ;) and Donuts for dessert

 

**Wednesday ~ Pecan Crusted Chicken w/ Broccoli

{click HERE for recipe!}

 

**Thursday ~ Carolina Country Chicken w/ Asparagus

 

**Friday ~ HAPPY BIRTHDAY BRAYDEN!!  He chose Homemade Pizzas w/ Meemi's Green Beans & Beets and Hershey's Ice Cream Shop for dessert

 

**Saturday ~ Tacos

 

**Sunday ~ Baked Lemon Poppyseed Chicken over Spinach w/ Sliced Strawberries

 

Okay.  So a few noteworthy things to mention here.....

 

*Before moving here I had always heard all about Waffle House.  We moved here and I was all pumped to try it and ummmm....no.  Far from impressed.  But Colby LOVES it and since its his birthday and all about him for the day, Waffle House it is. 

 

*Brayden's birthday menu cracks.me.up.  The boy is crazy!  Meemi's green beans just means that it is canned green beans and they are cooked in chicken broth....that's how my Meemi makes them and he loves them.  And beets?!  The boy will hardly eat anything with nutritional value without a fight but he loves pickled beets. So pizza, green beans & pickled beets....mmmmkay.  Hardly the norm but I'm rolling with it! ha!

 

*This baked lemon poppyseed chicken is amazing.  Y'all...we had it last week and we're having it again and for the love of all that is good and tasty would you just make this meal and then come tell me how right I am?!  I'm pretty surious about this ~ just make it. now. And then thank me later!

 

Alright...I'm off to enjoy our week o' celebration!!  Hope everyone had a fabulous weekend!!

 

 

Sons are a heritage from the Lord, children a reward from Him.

~Psalm 127:3~

 

 



Crazy.

This week is turning out to be even crazier than I anticipated!!  Its all good crazy though and I'm having so much fun with Sarah!  Everything is just so much more fun when you get to do it with a friend!

 

Here's a peek at some of what is occupying my time......

 

The older boys both have birthdays next week so I'm finalizing party plans and finishing gift shopping!!  We're going super easy this year and having the party at a local arcade/laser tag place and they are SO excited! 

 

 

We have our last women's ministry event at church tonight before we take a break for the summer and we've been busy planning and getting ready!  Sarah and I were up really late last night making tissue poms and laughing a lot!!  The combo of exhaustion and time with a best friend make for some good laughter and a lot of it!

 

 

Sarah sells Origami Owl and I'm hosting a party for her while she's here!!  I'm totally looking forward to a fun girls night and still trying to decide what food I'm making!  Yeah...the party is tomorrow night and I still don't even have food plans finalized...ha!  It will all come together! ;)

 

Check out her page @ http://sarahsmith.origamiowl.com!

  

But for now?  This morning we are headed here.....

 

 

Life is a little crazy for now but really I'm just crazy blessed!!  What are you up to this week?!  Hope you're all having a great week!



What, then, shall we say in response to this?  If God is for us, who can be against us?
~Romans 8:31~

Memorial Day & Menu Monday

Memorial Day. 

 

 

Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.

~John 15:13~

 

Words fail me.  I feel there just aren't words to adequately sum up the sacrifice.  To truly express the gratitude to each person who's heart is incomplete because their loved one left to serve and didn't come home.  Maybe my tears?  Maybe that's as close as it gets.  The tears that fall every time I allow myself to really consider it.  The selflessness of it all.  These men and women lay down their lives for me.  For my family.  For you and the ones you love.  There just aren't words.  So I'll pray peace and comfort that only the Lord can give.  And I'll remember....not just today but often.  Every time I see our majestic flag flying, I'll remember.  When I hear our nation's anthem play, I'll remember.  As I worship God freely each week, I'll remember.  The sacrifice will not be forgotten.

...........................................................................................

 

I hope you're enjoying your long weekend!!  We are loving having John home with us today and had such a great weekend full of friendship, laughter, and family!

This week is looking like it will be a crazy one but it will be full of fun!!  Here's what will fuel our crazy and fun all week....

 

Monday ~ Smokin' Sweet Tea Chicken w/ Broccoli

 

Tuesday ~ Spaghetti & Garlic Bread for my guys.  I'm going to dinner w/ some girlfriends!!

 

Wednesday ~ Grouch Chicken w/ Roasted Squash & Onions

 

Thursday ~ BBQ Sandwiches & Ranch Style Beans for my guys.  A women's ministry event at church for me!!

 

Friday ~ I'm having an Origami Owl party and the boys will be going out!  So far I know I'm making Sausage Balls and I've got to figure out what else! ;)

 

Saturday ~ Lemon Poppyseed Baked Chicken over Spinach w/ Sliced Strawberries

 

Sunday ~ Cheesy Amish Breakfast Casserole

 

A busy fun filled week that will be fueled by some amazing food!!  And my bestie Sarah will be here TOMORROW!!!!  Eeeeekkk....I cannot wait!!!

Have a great week!

 

 

Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him.

~James 1:12~



I've Hit a Wall

UGH.

 

This is a post I don't want to write.  But this is a post that I need to write.  Because I want to keep it real but also?  Because I need to own this part of my fitness journey.

 

There has been frustration and tears and questions and far too much over analyzing the last few days.  But I suppose it is best summed up in the title of this post ~ I've hit a wall in this journey.  I keep hearing my trainers voice as he hugged me ~ "you've hit a wall kid."

 

So what now??  The only option is to keep working hard.  To knock this wall down and turn around and give it the middle finger cherish the feeling of defeating it!  That's not what I feel like doing. I feel like giving up and saying forget it.  I feel like saying "why bother".  I feel like I've worked SO hard for the  last 6 weeks for nothing.  But feelings can lie and that's just what all of those feelings are.  Lies.

 

So I'll push on, keep working hard even when I don't feel like it and I'll be beyond ready to celebrate when I can write the next post about this journey of mine and say "I did it!!" 

 

YES.  YES I will break through this wall and YES I will keep going and Yes I will choose to not believe the lies that my feelings are.  NO I won't give in and NO I won't give up. 

 

So here's to shooting the middle finger at breaking down the walls we hit in whatever journey we may be on!  I'd love to hear of times in your life that you've hit a wall ~ maybe in your own fitness journey?  Or in your career?  Whatever it may be, I'd love to hear about it!!  And to hear about your triumph when that wall came tumbling down!!

 

 

All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.

~Proverbs 14:23~



Build 'em Up

I'm linking up with Kelly, Erin, Courtney & Jennifer again today for their Build 'em Up series!

Today's topic is confidence in motherhood.

 

There are two things that i know without a doubt.  Absolutely for sure.

 

1) Jesus is my savior & His grace and love the sweetest gift.

&

2) Women hold SO much power at their fingertips.

 

It's so true, isn't it?!  A woman on a mission is not to be messed with.  But it's so hard to watch it over and over......women use this power of ours to criticize. To tear each other down.  What if we used all that power to encourage each other!  What if we used all that power for good?!  What if we quit spending so much time and energy worrying about how so-and-so does it?!  And just be confident in doing what we see as best for our families?!  For ourselves?!  I saw this on facebook the other day and i wanted to scream it from the mountaintops because it's SO true......

 

*To the mom who's breastfeeding: Way to go! It really is an amazing gift to give your baby, for any amount of time that you can manage! You're a good mom.

*To the mom who's formula feeding: Isn't science amazing? To think there was a time when a baby with a mother who couldn't produce enough would suffer, but now? Better living through chemistry! You're a good mom.

*To the cloth diapering mom: Fluffy bums are the cutest, and so friendly on the bank account. You're a good mom.

*To the disposable diapering mom: Damn those things hold a lot, and it's excellent to not worry about leakage and laundry! You're a good mom.

*To the mom who stays home: I can imagine it isn't easy doing what you do, but to spend those precious years with your babies must be amazing. You're a good mom.

*To the mom who works: It's wonderful that you're sticking to your career, you're a positive role model for your children in so many ways, it's fantastic. You're a good mom.

*To the mom who had to feed her kids from the drive thru all week because you're too worn out to cook or go grocery shopping: You're feeding your kids, and hey, I bet they aren't complaining! Sometimes sanity can indeed be found in a red box with a big yellow M on it. You're a good mom.

*To the mom who gave her kids a home cooked breakfast lunch and dinner for the past week: Excellent! Good nutrition is important, and they're learning to enjoy healthy foods at an early age, a boon for the rest of their lives. You're a good mom.

*To the mom with the kids who are sitting quietly and using their manners in the fancy restaurant: Kudos, it takes a lot to maintain order with children in a place where they can't run around. You're a good mom.

*To the mom with the toddler having a meltdown in the cereal aisle: they always seem to pick the most embarrassing places to lose their minds don't they? We've all been through it. You're a good mom.

**I don't know who wrote it to give credit but if you do know, please share so I can give credit!!**

 

We all do things differently.  We are all different people, with different husbands & families, with different needs, etc, etc.  What if we all celebrated our differences?!  And looked for what there is to be learned from each others differences?!  How much sweeter would life be if we weren't always judging or worried about being judged?!

{truth.}

 

There's one more thing I know for sure....God doesn't make mistakes.  Your circumstances, your marriage, your family, your career, your friends.....none of it is a mistake!!  Embrace who God made you to be!  And the life He has blessed you with ~ no matter how different that may look from Sally or Sue or the "has it all together" chick next door.  Be confident in the choices you make for you and your family and find joy in learning how differently someone else does it!!  Differences are like the accessories of life ~  how boring would it be if we were all the same?  And did everything the same way?  Just like accessories spice up an outfit ~ our differences make life & relationships interesting!

 

Let's all use the power that we, as women, possess for good!!  Let's embrace our differences and choose to cheer each other on instead of tear each other down!!  Motherhood is beautiful and hard and crazy and emotional and you get the idea.....ain't nobody got time for being judged or criticized! ;)

Be sure to head over and visit Kelly, Erin, Courtney, & Jennifer to read what they have to say about being confident in motherhood and then check out all those who link up!!  Building up instead of tearing down ~ it's a beautiful thing!!



But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness.
~Hebrews 3:13~

Menu Monday

Happy Monday Everyone!!  We enjoyed spring weather for longer than usual here in Pensacola but that is OVER. =(  The temps are rising and the humidity has made itself at home.  Yuck!  But it does mean that it's time to bust out the water toys and the boys may even get to go for their first swim this week! =)

Here's what will be fuel for our fun this week.....

Monday ~ Bacon & Corn Risotto

 

Tuesday ~ Meatloaf, Mashed Potatoes, & Green Beans

 

Wednesday ~ Beef Fajitas w/ Peppers, Onions & Homemade Guacamole

 

Thursday ~ Smokin' Sweet Tea Chicken & Broccoli

 

Friday ~ Skillet Sausage, Cous Cous, & Mixed Veggies

 

Saturday ~ We're having friends over and grilling burgers & hotdogs!  I'm also making the homemade guacamole again ~ it's 2 times in the same week kinda good y'all!!!

 

Sunday ~ ha! we couldn't think of anything so we're leaving it open and we'll figure it out this week!

(just keepin' it real~haha!)

I've never done a riostto before but Shay over at Mix and Match Mama says not to be nervous and she's never led me wrong so I'm goin' for it!!  The smokin' sweet tea chicken?!  Hubby is uber excited about that one ~ it's another one of my trusty McCormick marindes that I posted about here so I'll have to let ya know how it turns out!  It sure sounds interesting!

Hope everyone enjoys the week!  Holiday weekend comin' right up ~ woo hoo!!!!



Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.  They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
~Lamentations 3:22&23~

A Collection of Random Thoughts.....

There is alot of random stuff floatin' around in this head of mine so I figured I'd share some of it with all of you! Lucky you huh?! Ha! ;)

 

*Felt like a true Floridian for the 1st time last night ~ top down, wind in my hair, headed to a beach yoga sesh!!  So fun!!  It was a night of firsts for me....1st time in a convertible & 1st time doing yoga!

 

being silly!

I've got some gorgeous friends don't I?! Love them!

 

*Ever heard of no-see-ums?!  UGH!!!  The tiniest most obnoxious little bugs EVER.  They bite and leave red welps that itch and last for days!  We have been getting eaten alive at bootcamp!  And?!  We've tried bug spray ~ doesn't even phase these punks!!

 

see that tiny black speck?! that's a no-see-um. tiniest bug ever.  worst bites ever!

 

*One of my best friends, Sarah, will be here from Washington in 11 days!!!  But who's counting right?!  Cannot wait!!

 

 

 

*Has anyone out there heard of the show Ready For Love?!  Erin, over at Bringing Up Burns, introduced me to it and I'm hooked!!  It was airing on NBC, got chopped, but they are showing the remainder of the season online!  I'm hooked!

 

 

*Speaking of reality tv ~ Its almost time for Des's season of the Bachelorette!!!  And Big Brother starts next month!!!  To know me is to know my deep deep love for the Bachelor/ette and Big Brother!  It's a serious relationship y'all!!

 

 

*I'm making Mix and Match Mama's chicken tortilla soup for dinner tonight and I'm far more excited about it than one should really be about food i think!!  ha!!  I have been looking forward to this allll week ~ its THAT good!! =)

 

 

Anndd....I think that's about it for now!  I'm looking forward to a fun, relaxing weekend with my sweet little family and hope you enjoy yours too!!

 

**FYI ~ I've scratched my legs about 871 times while writing this. Grrrr.  No-see-ums are jerks.**

 

 

Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

~Hebrews 12:3~